Tag: hydration

It’s hot. It’s humid. I’m in the southeast so from May until August, at least, this is the norm. Sometimes longer than that. Training for a fall marathon, reciting the mantra “humidity is the poor man’s altitude” and downing electrolytes.

But have you ever gotten late into a long run, somewhere past the 90 minute mark, and found yourself completely confused about how far you have to go before you turn around? Or not sure how you ended up in that neighborhood? Can’t remember that guy’s name as he waves and runs by?

Yesterday marked my tenth marathon. In everyone of those marathons I carried my own water. I used a belt for my first four marathons, but then switched to a 20-oz hand-held bottle.

I think I drink more than the average runner, and I’ve always liked not having to worry about having water when I want it. I have a hard time getting much liquid into my mouth using those paper cups. I usually trained with my bottle, so it wasn’t been a big deal. It eased my fears about getting water up my nose and down my shirt, rather than in my mouth where I need it!

Now that I’ve stopped breastfeeding I don’t think I need to drink as much and I’ve been training without my hand-held and really enjoying the freedom. While I packed for NYC I found myself wondering if I should leave the bottle at home, or downsize and carry a smaller bottle for emergencies. And then I decided to ask you!

And we’re back with our second installment of Ask-a-Salty: the feature where…surprise! you ask questions and we answer them for you. If you have a question you’d like to ask, check out this page!

Today’s questions come from Jen P. who asks:

Hi Salties! One thing I have been thinking about lately is how do many racers carry their gels? I was curious what the Salties might have to say. Also, on a similar note, I was wondering whether or not to carry hydration during my upcoming marathon. Right now I am thinking if weather conditions are good I will not carry my own water but if it’s going to be hot I will. Also I’m running Chicago (like Mint!) which is a huge race. Is there anything I should do differently for a huge race to make sure I get enough water? Thanks!

Hoping you find one of these at the right moment (that actually works) is not good enough for me! Image via wikipedia.

For all you marathoners and half marathoners like me, August means our training for our big fall races is just beginning to heat up! It’s time for the longest of our long runs, our peak mileage weeks and our hardest workouts. There’s no better time to think about the importance of hydration for peak performance than right now!

So let’s get to it! I’m here to talk about how best to stay hydrated on your training runs and in races. But that’s not all! I’ve found a way to carry water with me on the run and I want to share not only why I find it fantastic, but I want one of you to win my water vessel of choice! WOOHOO!A CONTEST!Read more >>

Want an orange slice? Just say no to the forbidden fruit! (Photo credit: Lorianne DiSabato)

You’ve trained for months and it’s finally the big day: time to rock your goal marathon! It’s a hot day and you know it’s extra important to drink enough and it’s always important to take your gels. Lucky for you, your buddy has her bike and will bring your favorite bottle and favorite fuel along the course to hand to you when you need them. While everyone around you veers left and right and slows down at aid stations, you sail straight on through knowing your pal will be just ahead with whatever you need – and no worries about spilling overly strong gatorade all over your face in those flimsy cups: you’ve got squeeze bottles baby!

Sounds great right? What if I told you, you could and really should be disqualified for this?

Fall marathon season is quickly approaching. Soon our thoughts will switch from our training to tapering and then our race day plan. We will need to make decisions about all the important stuff: what our goal pace is; what to eat for breakfast on the big day; what outfit to wear; etc. Those are all important, but today I want to discuss something near and dear to my heart. Fuel belts.

Right now, some of you are scoffing. “HA! As if I would ever consider using a fuel belt. LAME!” But there are some very serious runners who are very attached to their fuel belts. I should know. I used to be one of them. Read more >>